Despite the numerous serious challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Tokyo Olympics that was originally scheduled for the summer of 2020 is finally underway.
As coronavirus cases surged all over the globe in recent months, powered by the fearsome Delta variant, many argued for the cancellation of the games. After much consideration, it was decided that all events in Tokyo are to be held behind closed doors with no spectators due to the new state of emergency.
Now that the games are underway, there is no going back and all we can do is wish the competitors and the host country the best of luck as they try to safely pull off the biggest international event throughout this pandemic.
We send our best wishes to the Philippine delegation that is hoping to end the century-old gold medal drought. Boxer Nesthy Petecio, gymnast Carlos Yulo, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, golfer Yuka Saso are all currently champions in their sport who can give their countrymen reason to be optimistic on our chances of snagging a gold in this year’s games.
As we cheer for our athletes, let us also cheer for the host country that has to ensure the success of the games and the safety of all concerned whilst a pandemic continues to rage. May the lessons learned by Japan as it defies the odds and hosts this edition of Summer Games benefit the rest of us as we struggle to usher in the return of normalcy amidst the highly transmissible and more dangerous Delta variant of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The International Olympic Committee recently amended the motto to “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together” to show the need for solidarity in tough times brought on by the pandemic. IOC officials believe the Olympics are a beacon of hope in tough times and if Tokyo 2020 is a success, humanity earns a gold medal that can give us reason to be a little more optimistic for the future.*
